intermittent starting issue

2014 4runner, for some time ive had intermittent starting issues. when i use a battery jumper it'll start right up. and sometimes if it doesn't start and i keep the key turned for 5-10 sec it'll start (there is no turning from the starter during that time). its like a delay for the starter to receive the signal to turn. the check engine and traction control light sometimes come on as well. at first the codes were p0335 crank position sensor, c1405/6 open or short in front rh/lh speed sensor circuit and c1422 master cylinder pressure sensor zero point high show. i had the codes checked a few times and they all would only show together. i checked the starter relay (good) and replaced 2 batteries and the crank position sensor but i still have the same issue. the connector/wiring for the crank sensor seemed fine. i had the batt/starter/alternator tested at auto zone and they said they're all good. i went back today and again got code p0335 but this time it said "variable cam timing" with no other description. i found it odd because p0335 is the crank sensor code. i tried finding the variable cam timing code but came up with p0011? i found in a forum that someone had the p0335 code, replaced the crank sensor and cam sensors to find it was an issue with one of the actual cams. replaced it and was fine. i have an offroad trip to the grand canyon in a couple weeks so im hoping to have it fixed in time.

thank you.

 

Have you tried the spare key? Just wondering if that could be it. There are a few threads here with starting issues that turned out to be the immobilizer chip in the key used everyday. If you are like me, I have used the same key since I bought mine and the spare key is in the drawer...

 

i have tried my spare transponder key and had the same issue. thought the ignition switch may be the issue? but why would something like that flash p0335 code, right?

 

A couple of other thoughts - I would go through and remove and clean all of the grounds. Even if they look "good". This is often overlooked, and something you could do yourself and save some money. I would use a fine sandpaper on the ground wire terminal, and the metal that the wire mounts to. Keep an eye out for any suspicious green looking corrosion on the ground terminal, as well as the wires crimped in the terminal. Also look for bulging under the insulation of the visible portion of the wire.

Otherwise, there are a couple of larger sized relays in the circuits that handle high amperage during starting. Over time, the internal contacts can get dirty from arcing and such during operation.

 

I had this problem on my 2000 4Runner.

My problem was the park/neutral sensor, and also replaced the shifter linkage bushings...this eliminated the slop in the lever while shifting

Have you tried starting in neutral?

 

i just tried it, it was another delayed start. i feel if i kept the key turned a little longer while in park it would've started also. is there another way to test the neutral switch?

 

i checked the starter relay and was good, what other relays should i check?

 

How are you able to determine that it is good?

If there is another relay on the truck with the same part number, it could be swapped to see if the results change when attempting to start.

 

I used a multimeter.
I’ll look for the other relay and try swapping it.
Thanks

 

so i tried to start the 4r in neutral again and it didn't start. also there aren't any matching relays to try. i have pod lights and the ground for those is also on the same bolt as the battery. ive read it should be fine but ill try to find another bolt to ground it on and see if that makes a difference.

 

do you by chance recall if there an a CEL code and what it was? mine has shown 2 diff things now, 1st the crank position sensor, then after replacing that, now it shows the same code but says for variable cam timing?

 

I didn't have any codes and no check engine light
just nothing happened when I turned the key
also, when lever was in park I could move the shifter...maybe a 1/2 forward and back
I think main problem was shift bushings, but I replaced the park sensor too

 

my shifting seems fine, ill check for any movement when in park. i looked at the neutral safety switch and it looked clean and in good condition. someone i spoke to mentions a bad ground but i can't find any diagrams online to know where to look. pretty surprised really since this gen has been for so many years. i checked all the relays in the engine bay and they were all good too. i have a karr alarm that isn't "active", by that i mean it doesn't go off when i reach in and unlock it with the window open. i want to remove it but i need to get the right gauge connector to reconnect the original wire that was spliced to connect the alarm (otherwise it won't start when i unplug it). i read in another forum that a guy had the same issue and it "cured itself" when they messed with the karr alarm. he wasn't specific if they removed it or what.

 

does anyone have a diagram of the grounds in the engine bay and showing what is each ground so i know where to look?